Colfax, IA DOT Physical - What You Need to Know
A DOT physical is a thorough health check mandated by the Department of Transportation for every commercial motor vehicle driver. This examination ensures that drivers possess the necessary physical, mental, and emotional health to operate large vehicles safely on public roadways. A certified medical examiner listed in the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners conducts the DOT physical. Successful completion grants drivers a DOT medical certificate, essential for maintaining a valid CDL license as per FMCSA rules. For guidance on the required DOT physical, particularly if regulated by another DOT agency, contact us at 800-221-4291.
During your exam, the medical examiner will complete a thorough health assessment to determine if you meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards. The process typically includes:
What Does a DOT Physical Include?
Health History Review
Vision Test
Hearing Test
Urinalysis
Vital Signs
Physical Examination
DOT Testing | DOT Breath Alcohol | DOT Consortium Services | MVR Reports Also Available
What is checked in a DOT Physical?
- Health history review and medication assessment
- Vision screening (corrective lenses allowed; minimum standards apply)
- Hearing assessment (forced whisper or audiometry)
- Blood pressure and pulse rate
- Physical examination (systems review)
- Urinalysis (specific gravity, protein, glucose)
In Colfax, WV, completion leads to a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) valid for up to 24 months. Some conditions may require shorter certification or specialist documentation.
Who needs a DOT Physical?
A current DOT medical certificate (card) is required if you:
- Possess a commercial driver's license (CDL) - classes A, B, or C, for interstate activities
- Operate vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce
- Transport over 8 paying or more than 15 non-paying passengers
- Carry hazardous substances that necessitate DOT warning placards
- Work for DOT-supervised companies like FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, or USCG needing DOT medical credentials, applicable in Colfax, ME
DOT Physical Near Colfax, IA
Runnells, IA
Altoona, IA
Baxter, IA
Bondurant, IA
Newton, IA
Lambs Grove, IA
Ira, IA
Mingo, IA
Mitchellville, IA
Valeria, IA
Prairie City, IA
What to bring with you to a DOT Physical?
- Government-issued photo identification
- Eyeglasses/contact lenses & prescription
- Medication list & dosages
- CPAP use records (if applicable)
- Specialist medical clearances (cardiology, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc.)
- Recent A1C/blood pressure records if under monitoring. Colfax, NJ.
What happens if I fail a DOT Physical?
- No Medical card can be granted
- Temporary disqualification may follow
- Advice to see your primary care provider for treatment
- FMCSA exceptions might be available for specific health concerns
- Employer will be informed
- Next actions: tackle the medical problems and sit the test again
This applies to situations occurring in Colfax, IL as well.
What Will Fail a DOT Physical?
Medical Conditions That Can Fail a DOT Physical
- Vision & Hearing: Visual acuity worse than 20/40 in either eye (even with glasses), difficulty identifying traffic lights, or inability to hear a whispered voice within 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Severe hypertension (≥180/110 mmHg), recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, or an unapproved defibrillator.
- Diabetes: Frequent hypoglycemic events or complications like neuropathy impacting driving safety from uncontrolled diabetes.
- Sleep Apnea & Respiratory Issues: Untreated sleep apnea resulting in daytime sleepiness or severe lung conditions affecting breathing.
- Neurological Disorders: Epilepsy or seizures (unless exempt), conditions causing sudden blackouts or involuntary tremors.
- Substance Abuse: Current illegal drug use, alcohol abuse, or misuse of prescription drugs affecting motor skills.
- Psychiatric & Cognitive Disorders: Severe mental health issues (e.g., uncontrolled schizophrenia) or cognitive deficits harming decision-making skills.
Some conditions may temporarily prevent certification until resolved with documentation (e.g., controlled blood pressure). Other issues, like unmanaged seizures, usually lead to permanent ineligibility under FMCSA norms.
DOT Physical Exam Locations | CDL Medical Card Near You
Enter your zip code to find nearby test centers
Colfax Drug Testing
Quickly find trusted local drug testing centers in Colfax, IA — fast, convenient, and reliable every time!
Colfax DOT Drug Testing
Quickly find a local DOT drug testing center in Colfax, IA — fast, reliable, convenient nationwide service!
Colfax DNA Testing
DNA testing for legal and non-legal purposes including child support, and child custody around Colfax, IA.
Colfax Industry Training
Including specimen collector training, DER training, reasonable suspicion training and much more in Colfax, IA.v
Colfax Hair Drug Testing
Get fast, accurate hair drug testing at our convenient Colfax, IA locations—results you can trust, every time!
Colfax Alcohol Testing
Fast, reliable alcohol testing to keep your workplace safe and compliant every single day in Colfax, IA.
Colfax Drug Testing Services
Reliable nationwide drug testing services ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quick results for businesses and individuals in Colfax, IA.
Colfax 5 Panel Drug Test
Accurate 5 panel drug testing with fast, confidential results—trusted by Colfax, IA employers and individuals nationwide.
Colfax 10 Panel Drug Test
Comprehensive 10 panel drug testing with fast, reliable results—trusted for Colfax, IA workplace and personal testing needs.
Colfax On Site Drug Testing
Convenient on-site mobile drug testing with fast, reliable results—saving time while keeping your Colfax, IA workplace compliant.
Colfax DOT Physicals
Certified DOT physicals with quick, reliable exams to keep Colfax, IA drivers compliant and on the road with confidence.
DOT Consortium
Join our DOT consortium for hassle-free compliance, random testing management, and reliable driver safety solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
A DOT physical typically includes a review of the driver’s health history and medications, vision screening, hearing assessment, vital signs (blood pressure, pulse), urinalysis (checking specific gravity, protein, glucose), and a full physical examination by a certified medical examiner. Upon passing, a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card) may be issued for up to 24 months.
You must have a valid DOT medical certificate if you: hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class A, B or C for interstate commerce; operate a vehicle over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce; transport more than eight passengers (for hire) or over fifteen passengers (not for hire); or transport hazardous materials requiring placarding under DOT regulations.
DOT physicals are offered at test centres in all cities and all states, through Accredited Drug Testing’s nationwide network. You can schedule by calling 1-800-221-4291.
You should bring a government-issued photo ID; glasses or contact lenses and the prescription; a list of medications and dosages; CPAP usage data if applicable; and any specialist clearance letters or physician documentation (for conditions like heart disease, sleep apnea, diabetes) to your DOT physical.
If you fail the DOT physical, you will not receive the medical card; you may be temporarily or permanently disqualified depending on the condition; you will need to address any medical issues (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, untreated sleep apnea, recent myocardial infarction) and then be re-examined.
Customer Reviews
Great service
Great service easy use quick processing! Need a hair follicle for my DCFS case , quick and convenient!
Jesse Dupre - 4/12/2025
Fast service and friendly staff!
Fast service and friendly staff! Could not recommend enough for drug testing services.
Habib Malik - 4/12/2025
Explained everything so no questions
Torin was great. Explained everything so no questions
Tony Lombardo - 4/18/2025
